Elastomers: A Literature Review with Emphasis on Oil Resistance

There has been a long-standing commercial desire for elastomers with a high degree of oil-resistance. For example, oil-resistant materials are very important to the automotive industry since a variety of components may come into contact with a number of fluids (hydrocarbon and otherwise). In the specific case of engine seals, it is important that they be able to withstand the fluids they are sealing without losing their ability to maintain the seal either by becoming too soft or too brittle. This review summarizes some of the advantages and limitations of commercial elastomers with special emphasis on their oil-resistant character (or lack thereof). It also discusses the synthesis and the key molecular features (e.g., glass transition temperature, solubility parameter, effect of structures on oil-swell and percent swelling of elastomers vs various solvents) required for oil-resistant applications.